GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Kendra New began volunteering with Clay County's Teen Court program when she was 13 years old.

It was an experience that left a lasting mark on her. So much so that it later inspired her to become an attorney and open a law office in Green Cove Springs. 

Teens like New made up the vast majority of volunteers who run the historic courtroom every second Thursday of the month. Some as jurors, attorneys, bailiffs and clerks working the cases of young defendants.  The program has not only brought on a sense of passion for some, but a new and improved life for others. 

Once a judge and now a Mock Trial coach for current volunteers, New said it continues to shape youth all over the county. 

Teen Court celebrated 30 years on Thursday, April 16.

Clerk of Court Tara Green, local elected officials, Teen Court adult and youth volunteers and guests met outside the Historic Courthouse to celebrate the momentous occasion with a special reception.

The nationally acclaimed program is designed to divert qualified juvenile offenders from formal Juvenile Court proceedings. In lieu of arrests, eligible defendants are given citations. These citations are mainly used to address nonviolent misdemeanors.

Teen court provides the juveniles with the opportunity to accept responsibility for their actions, obtain the tools to turn their life around and avoid obtaining an arrest record.

"They are an incredible alternative to arrests, allowing law enforcement to hold youth accountable for poor behavior without using resources needed to handle more serious crimes," Green said.

Additionally, Teen Court has saved taxpayers about $5,000 for each civil citation, which has totaled around $10 million just within the last 10 years.

Built for ages 12-to-17, every position within the courtroom is held by a teenager, except for the judge, who is an adult member of the Clay County Bar Association.  Over the last decade, 818 teens and 21 adults have volunteered with the program, even participating in various Mock Trials that have won state championship titles. 

When the county’s Teen Court program started in 1996, it was small but grew to become a mighty force, said Jim Thies, a retired assistant state attorney and criminal defense attorney. Thies has served as a presiding judge, coached Mock Trial teams and trained new attorneys. 

 During its first year, Teen Court had 69 cases. Three decades later, the program has averaged nearly 270 cases per year.  It has also processed 5,600 referrals to date.

Defendants have also completed a total of 138,259 community service hours. 

The program has continued to change the lives of youth in the Clay County area, with much effectiveness. The Department of Juvenile Justice Department reported that, over the last five years, the program showed a recidivism rate of 0%. 

"That is a huge accomplishment and reflection [of] our community as a whole, as you can imagine," Green said.

Following the formal reception, current Teen Court volunteers joined together for a banquet, celebrating their accomplishments. Five were honored with scholarships.

Bradley Wells was presented with the C.M. Leadership Award and $500. James "Tripp" Stewart III was presented the Clerk's Award and $1,000, while the Star Award was given to both Grace Owens and Ani Abrahamyan. Each also received $500.

The evening's biggest winner was Hannalora Chapple, who was presented the Jim Thies Award of $3,000, funded by both the Clay Bar Association and Lucas Honda.

Green said the program could always use additional adult and youth volunteers. Those interested can contact Teen Court Manager Stacey Smith at (904) 278-3602.